In the 1830s the Transcendental movement germinated. Through the movement founded by Ralph Waldo Emerson, the idea emerged that there is inherent goodness in all of us. We've learned that just because everyone else has a certain philosophy, doesn't mean you're obligated to think that way. Transcendentalism revolved around the themes of religion, politics, the environment, and intuition. Although the Transcendental movement ended more than a century and a half ago, its ideals thrive in modern society. A fantastic example of a modern transcendentalist would be Bono, the lead singer of the world famous band, U2. Over the years, Bono has continued the legacy left by Emerson and his fellow Transcendentalists. Bono and U2 demonstrate transcendentalism through the band's religious beliefs, political beliefs/actions, environmental movements, song lyrics, and the passion through which they express themselves. Transcendental ideas didn't just magically appear in Bono's head. He was influenced at a young age. Before Bono was Bono, he was just an Irish guy named Paul David Hewson. When Paul was a child, he had a talent for being rebellious. As a child he was expelled from his first school for throwing dog feces at his teacher. He was subsequently sent to Ireland's first mixed school. His life, however, took a dramatic turn when his mother died of a cerebral hemorrhage when he was only fourteen. As a result, he became more independent and ambitious. He often clashed with his father over this. Paul disagreed with his father on many topics. His father discouraged him from dreaming, causing Paul to do the opposite. In an interview, Bono once stated, "Past... middle of paper... Bono opens up about Jesus, God and praying with his children." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, April 11, 2014. Web. April 16, 2014. "ONE. ONE Organization," April 16, 2014. "JONY AND MARC'S (RED)." 2014. Lane, Randall. “Bill Gates and Bono on their alliance of fortune, fame and giving.” Forbes Magazine, November 17, 2013. Web April 16, 2014. "Bono Biography." : Bio from @U2. Atu2.com, n.d. Web. April 16, 2014. "Bono Quotes." During the Clinton Global Initiative Panel." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, September 24, 2013. Web. April 16, 2014. Richardson, Elaina. "Bono: A Global Rock Star and Activist." Oprah.com. Oprah, February 2014. 2002. Web. 16 April. 2014.